Larianne Collins

Related People
Ming-Chun Lee
LECTURER
Environmental Hazards, Geospatial Technologies, Sustainable Development, Human Geography, Geography Education

 

Welcome!

I am a geography lecturer in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNC Charlotte and I absolutely love what I do!  I am an avid life-long learner and teaching is my passion. I believe the field of geography is one of the most important and practical disciplines in existence and I strive to instill in my students a curiosity about this dynamic planet we call home. In my courses, I encourage the development of geographic thinking as we examine the “why of where” and the interconnections between the natural environment and society. My mission is to inspire students to achieve their best and empower them to not only create the life they desire, but to discover what impact on our planet and its people they can accomplish in their lives. The opportunity to positively impact students and “geo-evangelize” young minds is the most gratifying aspect of my career. If you have questions about Geography or Environmental Studies courses, majors or minors or simply want to discuss career aspirations or graduate school, please feel free to email me or stop by my office. I’m always happy to chat.

 

Research and Teaching Interests:

  • Environmental Hazards and Disasters
  • Geospatial Technologies
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Sustainable Development
  • Human Geography
  • Geography Education

 

Education:

  • Ph.D. (2014) Geography, University of South Carolina
  • M.Ed. (2002) Secondary Education, University of South Carolina
  • B.A. (1998) Social Studies, Presbyterian College

 

Teaching:

  • GEOG 1101 – World Regional Geography
  • GEOG 1105 – Location of Human Activity
  • GEOG 3000 – Hazards and Disasters
  • GEOG 4600 – Geography Senior Seminar
  • LBST 2301 – Spatial Analysis of the United States
  • LBST 2301 – Global Sustainable Development

 

Profile:

A former high school geography teacher, I began my teaching career in 2001 spending seven years in the classroom teaching World Geography and AP Human Geography then served two years as an Assistant Principal. While earning my Ph.D. in Geography at the University of South Carolina (2014), I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Geography and served as the Education Programs Manager for the South Carolina Geographic Alliance prior to joining the Geography faculty at UNC Charlotte in 2018. Within the department, I serve as the chair of the Communication and Outreach Committee and am a member of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. I am also an Associate Graduate Faculty member.

Outside of the Department, I am the 2022 President of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE).  I serve on the Board for the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) as well as the Board for the Geography Education Specialty Group for the American Association of Geographers (AAG). I am a member of the Geography Education National Implementation Project (GENIP) Coordinating Committee and I serve on the Editorial Boards for both the Journal of Geography and Sustainability. I serve on the Test Development Committee for the AP Human Geography exam and am also a Reader for the exam. Additionally, I am a National Geographic Certified Educator and a First Lieutenant on the Search and Rescue Command for the South Carolina State Guard (Disaster Relief Organization).

I conduct research related to geography education with specific interests in geospatial technologies and spatial thinking as well as curriculum and teacher development. I also have research interests in environmental disasters and emergency management.